Edge Davao 7 Issue 136

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

YOUNG VOTER. A student checks out the requirements for the Sangguniang Kabataan voters’ registration posted outside the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office at Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. The registration of voters for next year’s SK polls runs from September 20 to September 29. Lean Daval Jr.

THE BIG NEWS page 2

407 REBELS SURRENDER SLOW, SILENT START IN ASIAD

INSIDE EDGE

SPORTS page 16

EL NIÑO FEARED PAGASA says Davao will experience long dry spell

BY FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA / CORRESPONDENT

T

HE Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has identified Davao City as one of the areas that will experience a long drought in the coming months.

PAGASA Davao station chief Gerry Pedrico said despite the previous typhoons the

country had experienced, a long drought is expected from the last quarter of this year up to the first quarter of next year.

“Based on our average of 20 tropical cyclones, (typhoon) Mario was only the 13th, so we are waiting for seven more. But based on our forecast, there will be an El Niño this year, so if that happens we will

not reach 20,” Pedrico said.

Pedrico said Compostela Valley Province, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental will also experience a long drought.

Typhoon Mario left 10 people dead and around 600 houses damaged in Luzon.

The typhoon has already left the country, but PAGASA has spotted a low pressure area in the eastern part of the Pacific

Ocean.

Pedrico said the weather bureau is still observing if the low pressure area will eventually turn into a typhoon.

Earlier, it was reported that environmental activists have warned that this year’s El Niño season could be the worst in years and that the government remains

FEL NIÑO, 10

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

LET’S SING. Edge Davao associate editor Jon Joaquin leads children in a song during last Saturday’s creative arts session at the House of Hope, a shelter

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

for children with cancer. The event was part of Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s corporate social responsibility program. Lean Daval Jr.

No light, no water as blackout hits Dumoy

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

S

crc@edgedavao.net

EVERAL areas in Davao City suffered a double whammy on Sunday and Monday as heavy rains and flooding caused a blackout in Dumoy that in turn caused an 18hour water service interruption on areas served

by Davao City Water District (DCWD)’s Dumoy Water Substation.

In a statement, Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) said power from its Dumoy feeders 1 and 3 serving the areas

from Dumoy Substation up to some parts of Toril was cut off at 8:02 p.m.

DLPC said it immediately dispatched its emergency crew to check on the problem.

“Leaning posts in different areas in Dumoy and tree branches that fell to power lines were the main cause of the power interruption,” the power utility said.

“At 5:39 a.m. the next day, September 22, power was restored in most

parts affected including DCWD production wells.

However, some parts of Bago Gallera going to Libby Road up to Lubogan Cemetery remained to have no power until 11:00 a.m. Power supply in the remaining areas in Dumoy was made at around 2:00 p.m.,” DLPC added.

It said the restoration process took longer due to preliminary procedures and safety measures taken prior to

actual repairs. The bad weather and flood also contributed to further impede the restoration process.

The blackout, however, caused an 18-hour water service interruption on areas serviced by the Dumoy Water Substation which depends on electricity to pump water. The facility also has no power generator.

In its Facebook page, the DCWD said the water

FNO LIGHT, 10

71 coconut farmers march to Malacañang S EVENTY-one farmers from different coconut farmers’ organizations in the Philippines converged in Davao City for the start of the 71-day, 1,750 kilometer march from Davao City to Malacaang that kicked off last September 21.

Raul Socates C. Banzuela, coordinator of KILUSMagniniyog, said the participants of the long march are expected to arrive in Manila by November 20 and in Malacañang by November 26.

He said the group is composed of farmers, descendants of coconut farmers during Martial Law, Muslims, and others

T

HE Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has recorded 407 rebel returnees from January to August this year, and increase from the 370 last year.

The number of firearms surrendered by returning members of the New People’s Army (NPA), however, dropped from 300 last year to 269 this year.

EastMinCom spokes-

person Captain Alberto Caber said with the numbers increasing, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hopes that more rebels will return to the government’s side.

“I encourage the New People’s Army to surrender and go back to the government,” Caber said.

The AFP’s gun for peace program (GFPP) was launched last year to of-

fer cash incentives to NPA members.

Those who surrender with their firearms to the government have the opportunity to start a new life away from the dangers of the armed conflict, the AFP said.

The program is a transition mechanism and an avenue that facilitates members of the NPA and other armed threat groups

who wish to lay down their arms and surrender.

Aside from the money that the rebels can get through surrendering their firearms, returnees can also benefit from other government programs instituted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and scholarships to the children of the former rebels.

F71 COCONUT, 10

Bomb explodes, misses Army troop in Comval town

407 NPAs returned to gov’t: EastMinCom A

BY FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

“The long march aims to call on the President to sign a draft of an Executive Order and to certify to Congress as urgent and important legislation the setting up of a perpetual Coconut Trust Fund that will manage, utilize, and administer the recovered P71-billion of coco levy fund,” Banzuela said.

“The E.O. has been in the desk of the President since July 2,” he added.

Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex, Banzuela also said through a people’s initiative, a bill on the Coconut Trust Fund bill is already in Congress authored by Ak-

N improvised explosive device (IED) exploded along the road of Sitio Umbawan, Barangay Ngan in Compostela town, Compostela Valley province on Monday at around 12:30 a.m. but missed the passing convoy from the 25th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA).

Capt. Ernest Carolina of the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs disclosed that the army vehicle KM450 truck was ferrying troops who are

involved in the preparations for the three-day “Peace Caravan” from September 22 to 24 in Compostela.

Carolina said the activity, an initiative of the 25th Infantry Battalion and the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) with the support of local officials and national government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), was aimed at bringing a

FBOMB, 10

NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

3

Exporter decries under-thetable transactions at BOC

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

banana exporter in Davao City yesterday said under-the-table transactions still continue in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) even with the reshuffle of officials and personnel ordered by then-Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon late last year.

Ferdinand Marañon, president of Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport)-Davao chapter and an exporter of Cavendish banana, said there are times that his brokers are charged an amount for export documentation but do not get a receipt.

“Ibig sabihin may binabayaran talaga (That means people [in Customs] are really being paid off),” he said, adding that the amount ranges from P3,000 and P4,000.

Marañon expressed hope that red tape and under-the-table transactions

within the BOC 11 will decrease by as much 80 percent with the full implementation of electronic to mobile (E2M) system of processing export documentations by 2015.

“We are expecting to save at least P4,000 in processing export documentation (with E2M),” Marañon said during the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

PhilExport-Davao executive director Mark Guillermo said businessmen who export every month will benefit most from the nationwide implementation of the E2M program.

“Aside from minimizing cost, exporters don’t have to go to the Customs office because it’s all (done through the) internet. Even the payment will be done electronically,” Guillermo said.

Marañon said at present,

FEXPORTER, 10

Gov’t allots P14.8-M for President Aquino’s visit to US

The government has earmarked P14.8 million for President Benigno S. Aquino III’s visit to the US, where he will address a global summit on climate change organized by the United Nations and sit down with business leaders to discuss the investment and tourism potential of the Philippines, said Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Monday.

President Aquino departed Berlin, Germany, the last stop in his eightday working visit to Europe, on Saturday evening for Boston for a four-day visit beginning September 20. He will be in New York on September 22.

President Aquino will

be joined in the US by members of his official family, namely, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Assistant on Climate Change Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Press Secretary Herminio Coloma, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Andrea Abad, Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria, Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III and Undersecretary Rochelle Ahorro.

FGOV’T ALLOTS, 10

HIGH AND DRY. A young boy holds his clothes above the water to keep them from getting wet while crossing the sea from Isla Verde

Tourism gets big boost with Visit Davao Fun Sale next year

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

M

abf@edgedavao.net

ORE stakeholders from the tourism sector will participate in next year’s Visit Davao Fun Sale, Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Art Boncato said yesterday.

In an interview, Boncato told reporters that compared with the Davao Big Fun Sale last April, next year’s event will take place

not just in malls but also in the other tourist attractions and sites in Davao City.

“Unlike this year that the sale was only on the malls, next year it will be all sites and attractions such as zipline, white water rafting, wake boarding, and the beach resorts. (Also) in restaurants and spas, ”Boncato said.

He said the tourism

times of calamities during last Sunday’s press briefing for the Eveready Preparedness Campaign at Yellow Fin restaurant in Ecoland, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

stakeholders gave a positive response when the DOT urged them to participate.

He said the Visit Davao Fun Sale was launched during the Philippine Travel Market early this month in Manila.

The event will start on April 3 and will end in the middle of May, 2015.

“We will continue the promotion which is included

in the Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015,” Boncato said.

He said the Visit Davao Fun Sale is the initiative of the city for VPY 2015 as part of the major destinations of the country.

They will also continue their talk with credit card company Master Card to be the major sponsor of the

He said even just the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malacañang last March erased the perceived risk to visit the island region.

He said government has already seen success especially in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which reportedly announced a double-digit increase in investments.

“We have to think the whole of Mindanao and the

whole country in that aspect,” Boncato said.

Earlier, Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said investments will pour in Mindanao because it shares the Muslim culture with Indonesia and Malaysia.

Montalbo said the BBL could be the “springboard” for ASEAN economic integration as the two mainly Muslim countries might invest in Mindanao. (ABF)

FTORISM, 10

BBL to attract more tourists, investors in Mindanao: DOT T

eBALDE. Emergency Research Center representative Louie Domingo demonstrates the use of each item in the eBalde which are critical for the survival of a family in

to Sta. Ana wharf in Davao City with a friend yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

HE passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) could attract more tourist and even investors in Mindanao, Department of Tourism (DOT) assistant secretary Art Boncato said.

In an interview yesterday, Boncato told reporters that the DOT has seen “a lot of interest from our neighboring countries initially from investors, because people come here as tourist and at the same time as possible investors.”

4 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

Bangsamoro dev’t to include Sharia banking

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE armed conflict in some areas in Mindanao can be only ended when each community, even in the sitio level, attains development. However, access to financing programs from conventional commercial banks continues to be a contributory factor because of certain Islamic cultural issues.

“We will include the establishment (in the development plan for Bangsamoro) of more Sharia-compliant Islamic banks especially in the proposed Bangsamoro area,” Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan, chair of the Bangsamoro Development Authority, told Edge Davao last Friday on the sidelines of the first SMGC (Southern Mindanao Growth Corridor) Investment Forum at The Marco Polo, Davao.

According to shariabanking.com, the overarching principle of Sharyia banking or Islamic finance is that all forms of interest are forbidden.

“The Islamic financial model works on the basis of risk sharing. The customer and the bank share the risk of any investment on agreed terms, and divide any profits between them,” the website said.

Dipatuan said many of Muslims are still suffering from poverty because of

the system implemented in commercial banks.

Currently, commercial banking puts interest rates on its loan and other financing packages and this is against the Sharia law. In the Islam culture, interest is forbidden.

“We cannot just go easily to banks and borrow from banks that will require us to pay interest,” Dipatuan said. “It is one important factor why Muslims usually cannot access financing in conventional banks.”

He said the Bangsamoro area needs Sharia-compliant banking and finance.

Dipatuan said the country has only one Islamic bank, the Al Amanah Investment Bank of the Philippines. However, it cannot cater to the needs of all Muslims who are in need of capital for their small businesses.

He also said Al Amanah is not operating purely based on the Islamic culture.

“Al Amanah is also operating as a conventional bank because it doesn’t have adequate capital to start with. Amana needs capital from investors so it can do Islamic banking, and of course technical knowhow on how to do Islamic banking,” he said.

FBANGSAMORO, 10

SSS to launch new contact center for OFWs

O

VERSEAS Filipino Workers (OFWs) will have easier means to benefit from the programs and services of the Social Security System (SSS) with the launching of the newly created OFW Contact Center Unit (OFWCSU) starting this October.

SSS Senior Vice President and International Operations Division Head Judy Frances A. See said the new unit will handle direct contact points for OFWs to allow for a more differentiated servicing and faster resolution of their SSS concerns.

For its initial operations, the OFW-CSU will provide dedicated e-mail support and local call services from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays.

In addition, a special assistance desk will be available at the SSS main office in Diliman, Quezon City for walk-in transactions of OFWs, such as registration and issuance of SS numbers, enrollment in Flexi-fund Program, and verification of SSS records.

It will also provide OFW members assistance in filing their loans, benefit claims, and other SSS applications.

“We understand the unique circumstances of our Kababayan abroad, and so we continue to find ways to make the SSS more accessible to them,” See said.

“The creation of a specialized contact unit for OFWs will enable us to identify their distinct needs and address them accordingly. It will also help us manage the level of transactions with other member service facilities more effectively,” she added.

OFWs and their families in the Philippines can reach the OFW-CSU by e-mail at ofw.relations@ sss.gov.ph or through their service hotlines, (02) 3647796 and (02) 374-7798.

See said additional channels and service facilities have been lined up for implementation to fully complement the unit’s operations.

EXPORT TALK. Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) president Ferdinand Marañon announces the forthcoming 2nd Philexport Davao Chapter General Membership Meeting which will tackle significant matters such as the E2M (electronic to mobile) program of the Bureau of Customs

(BOC) and the Client Profile Registration System (CPRS). Guesting in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex is Philexport executive director Mark Guillermo. Lean Daval Jr.

DOT bats for more int’l flights in Davao

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) will exert more effort to make Davao City one of the primary foreign tourist destinations in the country.

In an interview yesterday after the flag raising ceremony at City Hall, DOT Assistant Secretary Art Boncato said one of the moves is to have more direct international flights to and from the city.

“I hope Davao will be the next destinations for this foreign markets, because so far, the direct international flight in the city is only from Singapore,” he said.

He said other tourist destinations in the country

such as Kalibo in Aklan, Legaspi City in Albay, and Cebu already have chartered flights to and from foreign destinations, which is why many foreign tourists visit them.

Boncato said domestic tourists are still the major market of Davao City as well as the whole of Mindanao.

Speaking during the flag raising ceremony , Boncato said the DOT is preparing for big events in Davao City such as the hosting of the trade fair and business leaders conference of the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and In-

donesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) next month.

“We are expecting at least 300 foreign nationals visiting the country for a week-long celebration in the city,” he said.

Boncato said the DOT is now working hard to position individual tourist destinations in the country after launching the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” campaign which focused on the entire country.

“This year, we have started positioning destinations like Davao, Cebu, Manila, and Boracay as the first priority destinations in the country,” he said.

“Tourism in the country is growing by leaps and bounds, and Davao City is playing a major role in making that happen in the country today,” he added.

Boncato said revenue increase came from the almost 2.4 million foreign tourist visitor in the country as of June of this year.

He said the number of foreign tourists increased by 2.2 percent from the same period last year.

“It may not be an ideal increase but we are happy to share with you that despite the number, all the visitor who come to the Philippines are spending more,” he said.

RIPS’ accomplishment in the Successful Decisions category also increased by 116 percent, where for the period of January to August 2014 it attained 13 favorable decisions compared with the previous record of six successful decisions set during the same period in 2011.

Successful decisions refer to cases resolved in RIPS’ favor, usually resulting to suspensions, dismissals, penalties, and/or criminal convictions.

Out of the 13 resolutions, six imposed the penalty of dismissal from the

service. This is a marked improvement from the period of 2003-2013, when the average dismissal from the service attained by RIPS was one dismissal per year, the DOF said.

DOF Undersecretary Carlo A. Carag of the Revenue Operations and Legal Affairs Group said this was the best performance RIPS has registered in history.

“These are encouraging numbers as we continue to investigate and crack down on erring public officials in our campaign to root out corruption and reform the government,” Carag said.

RIPS was launched in 2003 to eliminate corruption within the department and its attached agencies by investigating allegations of wrongdoing and filing cases with the appropriate government agencies.

Ephyro Amatong, chair of the DOF Regulatory Compliance and Anti-Corruption Cluster, said the measurable improvements by RIPS to date “reflect the Aquino administration’s continuing resolve to combat corruption. We will carry this fight for good governance to the very last stretches.”

DOF rips corruption in its own ranks T

HE Department of Finance (DOF)’s Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS), which seeks to eliminate corruption within its own ranks and in its attached agencies, has achieved its highest performance in its 11-year history.

In a statement, DOF said there was a marked improvement in 2014 with 85 investigations initiated over the eight-month period from January to August, representing a 45 percent increase over the previous highest record of 58 attained in 2013.

THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

5

PEZA eyes more investments from South Korea, Europe P

HILIPPINE Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Lilia de Lima will be visiting Seoul, South Korea this month and Northern and Central Europe in Octo-

ber to invite more investors in the country.

De Lima told reporters that she will be meeting with Korean companies and visiting the automotive hub in South Korea at the side-

lines of her scheduled seminar in Seoul on September 25.

She said PEZA will promote sectors of manufacturing and information technology (IT) in the Asian nation.

KEEPING DRY. A taho vendor braves the rain brought about by Tropical Storm Mario as he sells taho in Barangay Diego Silang in Butuan City Wednesday. MindaNews photo by Erwin Mascarinas

She said by the end of October, she will also be promoting sectors of manufacturing and IT along with tourism and agriculture to Northern and Central Europe.

De Lima said the Philippines continues to attract the interest of European companies with credit rating upgrades that the country received within the past few years.

“They’re aware of our credit rating upgrades and last year we posted the second highest growth in Asia,” she said. “We have to maintain this momentum.”

De Lima said Denmark has re-established its embassy in the country, which signifies the importance of the Philippines to the European country.

She said aside from Denmark, other Nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland have 20 companies invested in PEZA. De Lima said PEZA’s offshore investment pro-

motions target to bring in investors in the supply chain of different industries for the country to have more competitive manufacturing sector.

Meanwhile, January to August 2014 investment pledges in PEZA increased by 22 percent to P135 billion

against last year’s same period of P111 billion.

Exports revenue in PEZA zones, likewise, perked up by 19 percent to $4.51 billion versus last year’s $3.8 billion.

Employment generated in PEZA hit 1,108,367 jobs as of July 2014. (PNA)

Shell, Phoenix roll back kerosene, diesel prices

P

ILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC) and Phoenix Petroleum Philippines rolled back the prices of kerosene and diesel products today, September 23.

Shell said it reduced its kerosene price by 25 centavos per liter and its diesel prices by 20 centavos per liter effective today.

On the other hand, the company’s gas will

have an increase of 15 centavos per liter.

All price movements will take effect on 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

For its part, Phoenix said it will decrease the price of diesel by P0.20 per liter and increase the price of gasoline by P0.15 per liter effective 6 a.m. today “to reflect the movements in the prices of refined petroleum products in the international market.”

yesutive

6 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

Globe, Alcatel to expand Visayas, Mindanao ultra-broadband access G

SIGNED. Ayala Corp. President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala (left) signs a confirmation of award for the expansion of Globe Telecom’s ultra mobile broadband

infrastructure with Alcatel Lucent CEO Michel Combs (right) as Philippine President Benigno Aquino and French President Francois Hollande look on.

LOBE Telecom signed a confirmation of award with Francebased Alcatel-Lucent for the transformation of wireless network infrastructure in the Philippine regions of Visayas and Mindanao, upgrading it from WiMax to LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD ultra-broadband access technologies.

In a statement, Globe said the signing was done during President Benigno Aquino’s official state visit to France last September 17.

Aquino and French President François Hollande witnessed the signing in a ceremonial event at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president.

Globe said the LTE infrastructure is part of its continuing network expansion to enable advanced technologies for better broadband service experience.

“This will provide higher network capacity, plus faster transmission speeds, addressing ever-increasing demand for broadband service with higher bandwidth in a country of more than 105 million mobile subscribers,” the statement said.

Globe Telecom is the second largest telecommunications provider in the Philippines, with 45 million customers. There are more than

105 million mobile broadband subscribers in the country, a number that has been growing by 10 percent each year, leading to ever-increasing demand for bandwidth, speed and capacity.

Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said the rollout of LTE technologies “will provide increased internet and fixed/wireless broadband capacity and better broadband experience for our customers in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.”

“This is particularly significant for the Visayas region which is still recovering from last year’s severe typhoon.

This project also supports the Philippine government’s thrust to expand the reach of broadband internet services which has been emphasized as an area for national improvement,” Cu added.

For his part, Alcatel-Lucent CEO Michel Combes said the project not only highlights how his company’s LTE-TDD technology is expanding, it also continues the strong momentum of mobile ultra-broadband access in the Asia-Pacific region.

“As a key provider of infrastructure for some of the largest LTE network deployments in the world, Alcatel-Lucent’s support for Globe Telecom’s network ex-

pansion program is a further milestone in our growing global leadership in mobile ultra-broadband access,” Combes said.

Globe said it will deploy Alcatel-Lucent’s LTE Radio Access Network (RAN) which is aimed at bringing ultra-broadband Internet access to a geographically diverse area comprised of 7,107 islands.

Alcatel-Lucent will transform the existing Globe WiMax network to state-of-theart LTE–TDD (Long-Term Evolution Time-Division Duplex) and LTE-FDD (Frequency-Division Duplex) technology to help meet the ever-increasing demand for high speed mobile Internet access in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Globe said the LTE RAN technology equipment will be activated in approximately 1,200 sites, along with a converged Network Management System (NMS) to manage and control network equipment on an end-toend basis from Access to the Core.

Alcatel-Lucent also is providing Globe Telecom with a set of professional services such as engineering, installation, integration, and project management services. Jon Joaquin

interest costs make it nearly impossible for these loans to be paid back.

“Now that the LMLS is going to be implemented, I will make sure that this is accessible to our employees,”he said.

Lito Villanueva, vice president and head of innovation, digital ecosystem build, and global engagements at SMI, said the product is especially useful in times of emergencies when borrowers need access to cash fast.

“The good thing is that the borrower can secure a loan from the bank by merely sending a text message at any time of the day,” said Villanueva, adding the LMLS significantly reduces the time element in processing the loan as well as the resources needed in securing the loan.

The LMLS, he said, is also the answer to the clamor for cheaper loans.

“One thing with the LMLS, it offers the lowest

interest rate at 0.83 percent a month, or about 10 percent effective interest rate annually,” Villanueva added.

The loan is payable in three years.

The facility was designed to provide borrowers with a loan that can be approved as fast as an SMS and loan proceeds credited to the borrower’s ATM cash card within three banking days.

Since its launch a month ago, LMLS has already attracted over 260 government agencies representing 120,000 employees. The number excludes more than the 16 agencies in Mindanao that signed up during the Davao leg.

Gilda Pico, LANDBANK president and CEO, said offering the LMLS to government employees is just the first phase of the rollout.

The same facility will be also made available to workers from private companies next month even without an existing payroll with LANDBANK.

Smart, LANDBANK present mobile loan saver facility to Davao del Sur

F

OR Mayor Franco Calida of Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, the LANDBANK Mobile Loan Saver (LMLS) will go a long way in helping employees of the municipal government break free from the clutches of usurers that provide last-resort financing.

“This is a loan program that we want to have because this eliminates the need for loan sharks,” Calida said at the sidelines of the recent launch of the LMLS, the country’s first mobile-based savings, loan, and insurance product that was developed jointly by the Land Bank of the Philippines and Smart e-Money Inc., (SMI), the digital financial solutions provider arm of wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

Calida said usurers, colloquially called “5-6” for imposing a 20-percent interest rate on loans on a daily basis, are the ones that employees with minimal pay turn to for emergency loans, but high

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

THE BATTLE AGAINST MALNUTRITION Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

E

VERY two seconds, five people are added to the global population.

Three are Asians. This large contribution is due not to a higher-than-average growth rate but to the region’s large population base.

“The most immediate implication of rapid population growth is the need for more food,” says the Washington-based World Resources Institute (WRI).

“This can be met in two ways domestically: by expanding the agricultural land base and making better use of cultivated land.”

Historically, overcrowding and low productivity were remedied by people moving onto less populated, more fertile land. In the Philippines, this was practiced mostly by “kaingineros” (slash-and-burn farmers) in the past.

But such is not the case anymore. Today, most arable land is already heavily farmed, and in some countries, poor management and deteriorating environmental conditions are reducing the amount of productive land.

As a result, one in nine people in the world goes to sleep every night without eating, the annual report of the UN Food and Agriculture (FAO) says. But the good news is: the number of hungry people has dropped by more than 100 million in the past 10 years and by more than 200 million in the past two decades.

But despite the drop in the number of hungry people around the world, many Asians still remain malnourished, FAO says.

Let’s take the case of the Philippines as an example. In a study conducted by the Department of Education some years back, it was found that a total of 62.5 percent of 7-10-year-old public elementary school children were underweight, with only 32.5 percent considered normal.

A similar survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology, showed that 0.2 percent of two-year-old children are afflicted with night blindness or Bibot’s spot.

Because of this, health experts consider fighting malnutrition as an important development effort.

“Only well-nourished children can grow to their physical and mental potential, fully benefit from education opportunities available, and maximize their contribution to the growth of the Philippine economy,” says Dr. Paul Sommers, who used to be with United Nations Children’s Fund.

One of the best things Filipinos can do to fight malnutrition is to start right in

their own backyard. That may sound a cliché, but not to the advocates of a non-conventional form of vegetable gardening.

They say that, with minimum capital and lots of native enterprise, it can assure needy families of a steady supply of nutritious food – and even earn them extra income.

The advocates call it Food Always In The Home (FAITH) gardening. They claim the method can likewise reduce the country’s heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides that pose health hazards and wreak havoc on the environment.

“FAITH is a type of vegetable gardening that can provide the necessary protein, vitamins, and mineral requirements needed by a family with six members,” explains Roy C. Alimoane, the director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. As designed, the 100-square-meter FAITH requires minimum labor. “As its name suggests, there will be vegetables all year round if our recommended plan is properly followed,” he points out.

Enriquetta B. Torres, in an article, writes that home gardening can reduce by about 20 percent a family’s total daily food expenditures.

The garden is divided equally into three sections, with one-half of each section held in reserve for later replanting. One section is planted with short-term vegetables that will be ready for use in two to four months. Examples: soybeans, tomatoes,

pechay, cowpeas, bush sitao, radish, and sweet corn.

The second section is given over to crops which can produce vegetables for six to nine months, among them ampalaya, okra, onions, garlic, eggplant, winged beans, golden squash, alugbati, and ginger. Vegetables that will produce for 11 to 12 months are grown on the third section like patani, kulitis, sayote, kangkong, camote, gabi, cassava, and kadios.

Along the boundary of the garden and in the year, permanent and semi-permanent crops are grown. Among these are malunggay, papaya, pineapple, calamansi, and guava. For fencing purposes,

nitrogen-fixing species like Flemingia macrophylla, Desmodium rensonii, Gliricidia sepium (locally called “kakawate”), and Indigofera anil are planted; these can also be used as sources of green manures.

The central feature in FAITH gardening is basket composts, a series of raised garden beds into which bamboo baskets are set about one foot in diameter and depth.

These are filled with a little animal manure (particularly goat) and some decomposed organic garbage and packed with leaves of leguminous trees and shrubs. If basket composts are too laborious to do, you can also make trench

composts.

If manure is not available, the leaves of leguminous trees and shrubs (flemingia, rensonii, kakawate and/or indigofera) will do. These are stuffed into the basket or trench composts to provide nitrogen and other nutrients needed by growing crops.

“You can immediately use the composts without waiting for the usual three to four months period as is necessary in the old method of composting,” Alimoane differentiates.

However, the time to plant seeds or seedlings around the basket or trench composts depends on the state of decomposition of ma-

terials inside the composts.

“If the materials at the bottom part are nearly decomposed, seeds and/or seedlings can be planted immediately,” says Alimoane. “But if most of the materials are still fresh, planting may be done two to three weeks later.”

Like most gardening, good management is necessary. The reserved areas should be planted in time so that there would be continuous supply of vegetables throughout the year.

The MBRLC has produced a fully-illustrated manual on FAITH gardening.

If you want to order, please email the center at mbrlc@ mozcom.com.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

EDITORIAL

T

No way to seek redress

HOSE who are riling at the faculty of the UP School of Economics for castigating the students who virtually manhandled Budget Secretary Florencio Abad last week are completely missing the point.

Those who are taking up the cudgels for the students are looking only at one aspect of the entire issue – the alleged corruption in government through the Disbursement Allocation Program (DAP) – while turning a blind eye to the more fundamental ones: academic freedom, freedom of expression, and yes, plain decency. As the faculty members said in a statement after the incident, Abad was an invited guest, and as such was “covered by the same blanket of academic freedom and safe passage that the University guarantees to all who set foot on campus.”

In the first place, Abad was in the University of the Philippines to give his side on the DAP and other budget issues; that fact alone should have given him the right to enter – and exit – without having to go through a gauntlet of angry students. UP, after all, prides itself

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

in being able to discuss any and all issues squarely and logically, without having to resort to physical violence.

As he left, however, Abad was accosted by an angry mob that threw coins and placards at him; at one point one student even grabbed him by the collar. Whatever these students were thinking, it was not something they had learned at UP. The faculty members of the UP School of Economics has called the students “hooligans,” and they are right.

No self-respecting UP student would lay a hand on a person – any person, no matter how high or low they are in the social strata – just because he does not agree with his opinions, or because he suspects that person of wrongdoing. Only hooligans do that. But for saying so, the teachers have attracted the equally misguided anger of those who apparently believe academic freedom and freedom of expression can be thrown out the window by an angry mob. The attackers may have valid grievances against Abad, but attacking him physically was no way to seek redress.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHENEEN R. CAPON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Reporters MEGHANN STA. INES AQUILES Z. ZONIO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle Photography CHA MONFORTE JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Correspondents ARLENE D. PASAJE Contributing Photographer Cartoons MUNDA • HENRYLITO TACIO • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY Columnists: CARLOS MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. ANN “ADI”• C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • VIDA MIA VALVERDE • Economic Analysts:• ENRICO BORBON MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN EMILY “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER PEREZENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA EconomicM. Analyst:

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYNRICHARD S. PANES C. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager of Sales SpecialistFinance General Manager DirectorAdvertising FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

RICHARD C. EBONA AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation Marketing Supervisor

Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO

P

RESIDENT Ferdinand E. Marcos was a hero. He did great things for the country and for democracy by declaring Martial Law so that his vision of a New Society could prosper.

Consider: At least 10,000 people were arrested, many of them tortured, right after the declaration of Martial Law. Imagine what those 10,000 people could have done against society if they were not jailed and beaten or threatened with harm if they continued to protest his regime.

Never mind that a number of the detainees were salvaged (summarily killed). He had to eliminate some opponents to prove that he meant business. Dumping dead, mangled bodies where they can be seen or making people “disappear” after being arrested was necessary to compel obedience to the New Filipino Ideology. The dictator simply wanted to suppress the revolution led by the Left and replace it with his First Lady’s “Green

“D

ON’T look now, but Mindanao is fast emerging as the next coffee capital of the Philippines as coffee growers set their sights on the island. With vast tracts of land – especially those in high altitudes – that can still be tapped for coffee plantations, Mindanao may well be on its way to being the country’s top coffee producer.”

That was what the recent cover story of Edge Davao. Indeed, it’s good news. After all, eight out of 10 adults in this country, according to some studies, drink an average of 2.5 cups of coffee – every day!

The popular drink comes from an evergreen tree which was first discovered in Ethiopia, where its red cherry-like berries (generally containing 2 seeds per berry) were used for wine and food before A.D. 1000. Its beans were first ground and roasted and made into a drink during the 15th century in the Arabian Peninsula. Coffee later spread throughout Europe during the 17th century.

“In the Philippines, coffee has a history as rich as its flavor,” says the National Coffee Development Board (NCDB). The first coffee tree was introduced in Lipa, Batangas in 1740 by a Spanish Franciscan monk. From there, coffee growing spread to other parts of Batangas like Ibaan, Lemery, San Jose, Taal, and Tanauan. Batangas owed much of its wealth to the coffee plantations in these areas and Lipa eventually became the coffee capital of the Philippines.

“By the 1860s, Batangas was exporting coffee to America through San Francisco,” the NCDB records. “When the Suez Canal was opened, a new market started in Europe as well. Seeing the success of the Batangueños, Cavite followed suit by growing the first coffee seedlings in 1876 in Amadeo. In spite

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Marcos the hero Revolution”.

Marcos abolished Congress and usurped all government powers supported by the military and police. If he did not abolish Congress, he could not rule for life and realize his dream of bringing cloudless happiness to every Filipino.

Never mind if he rewarded (his) generals and close allies like Juan Ponce Enrile with logging concessions and other incentives.

That was needed to keep them loyal.

The Marcos military became increasingly brutal with each passing day. Human rights groups had their hands full documenting

abuses like illegal arrests, enforced disappearances, summary executions and massacres, and forced evacuations. But then, what will you do if military operations wouldn’t work against revolutionary groups and in the face of growing unrest even in urban areas? What human rights are they talking about?

So what if many of the victims were innocent? So what if Marcos sacrificed many innocent lives to save democracy? That should not make him a villain. He should be praised for his brutality since it had a noble purpose – saving democracy that he slew on midnight of September 22, 1972. (The Martial Law proclamation was dated September 21, 1972 but it was actually announced the day after by Francisco Tatad, Marcos’ information minister.)

Marcos’ rule was anything but a democracy? Look, he held presidential elections

in 1981 and “lifted” Martial Law during his inauguration, where he abolished the New Society and replaced it with the New Republic. He would have invented another “New Whatever” if he were allowed to stay longer.

And never mind if the opposition boycotted the 1981 elections, forcing Marcos to handpick an “opponent” in the person of an obscure retired general named Alejo Santos.

Never mind too if, after the “lifting” of Martial Law, Marcos retained his decree-making powers and human rights violations worsened instead of decreased.

So, why deprive him of the privilege to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani?

For Christ’s sake, bury him there. But first, transfer the remains of the others who are buried there. They don’t deserve his company. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. The author was an activist during Martial Law.)

Coffee for your thought of this, Lipa still reigned THINK ON THESE! as the center for coffee production in the Philippines and Batangas ‘barako’ was commanding five times the price of other Henrylito D. Tacio Asian coffee henrytacio@gmail.com beans.”

In 1880, the Philippines was the fourth largest exporter of coffee beans, and when the coffee rust hit Brazil, Africa, and Java (Indonesia), it became the only source of coffee beans around the world.

Today, however, the Philippines produces only .012 percent of the world’s coffee supply. The majority of coffee produced in the country comes from the mountain areas of Batangas, Bukidnon, Benguet, Cavite, Kalinga Apayao, Davao, and Claveria. About 164,139 hectares of agricultural lands are planted with coffee, employing at least 300,000 Filipinos.

The recent worldwide popularity of special brews and exotic blends of coffee gives a sliver of hope to the Philippine coffee industry. This new trend might be the breath of life that the Philippine coffee industry needs to savor once again the taste of its coffee’s golden years.

There are a number of coffee varieties, but the four most common are Arabica, Liberica, Excelsa, and Robusta. The most important variety is Arabica, which accounts for 72 percent of world production. Arabica is an early bearer. Two years after transplanting, it

produces berries. Generally, a full-grown and well-managed one-hectare farm can yield 1,000 kilos of green beans. This variety, however, is susceptible to coffee rust, which once almost wiped out the coffee industry in the country.

The second most important commercially is Robusta, accounting for 27 percent of world production. The tree is more widely adaptable than Arabica, but it does best in warm equatorial climates. Large areas of Southeast Asia are suitable for its production. A well-tended one-hectare field can yield about 1,200 kilos per year of green coffee beans.

Liberica, commonly called “kapeng barako,” produces the biggest berry. It is noted for its very strong taste and color. Trees are upright with straight trunks. Berries are round, borne singly or in small cluster with thick and firm pulp. This variety is drought-resistant and bears berries 4-5 years after transplanting. A one-hectare farm planted to Liberica can yield about 1,000 kilos per year.

Excelsa is similar to Liberica except for its smoother, thinner, and more rounded leaves with smooth edge. The berries are ovoid and a little compressed, having a flat form. Like Liberica, its bearing age is 4-5 years after transplanting and has an approximate annual yield of 1,000 kilos per hectare.

“The Philippines is one of the few countries that produce the four varieties of commercially-viable coffee,” the NCDB states.

“Climatic and soil conditions in the Philippines – from the lowland to mountain regions – make the country suitable for all four varieties.”

In Kidapawan City, North Cotabato,

researchers from the Department of Agriculture-Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-CEMIARC) reported that 30-year-old coffee trees can be made productive. “Instead of planting coffee seedlings, rejuvenate old trees to attain initial production in a shorter time,” wrote Alicia Tangonan Hayudini in article which appeared in “Agriculture” magazine.

“Using a chainsaw,” Hayudini instructed, “cut down old trees 30-40 centimeters from the base and then paint the cut portion with fungicide or insecticide to prevent the entry of pests and diseases. When the sprouts or shoots are about 10 centimeters high, select and maintain 5-7 sprouts. Train the vertical sprouts towards the outside of the crown for maximum sunlight utilization. The recommended plant height is 1-2 meters.”

In the past, coffee had been seen as something that is not good for your health.

But in recent years, medical opinion about coffee has been changing.

Sure, massive intake of caffeine (of which coffee is loaded) or any other substance isn’t good for you, but moderate intake, the way most people drink coffee, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can even have specific benefits for your health.

In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration classified caffeine as “generally recognized as safe.” The American Medical Association stated that “moderate tea or coffee drinkers probably need have no concern for their health relative to their caffeine consumption provided other lifestyle habits like diet, alcohol consumption are moderate as well.”

10

NEWS

El Niño... FFROM 1

EDGEDAVAO

unprepared for severe drought conditions that could result from the seasonal weather phenomenon.

Environmental advocates fear that the current lack of access to water for farmers would be exacerbated by drought conditions that are expected to begin next month.

Asearly as last May, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said El Niño is expected to occur some-

time in June or July.

El Niño is caused by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific and can affect air and sea currents. The phenomenon is expected to bring below-average rainfall in the last quarter of this year through the first quarter of 2015.

The Department of Agriculture, which has already formed a task force on El Niño, has declared 44 of the country’s 81 provinces to be highly vulnerable to any resulting dry spell.

The government has issued a statement that it is prepared for the dry spell, adding that food supply is the main priority under the government’s proposed 2015 budget.

The threat of a dry spell has been blamed for causing a spike in the cost of staples such as rice, meat and fruit.

The Philippines experienced the worst El Niño in 1997 and 1998 that caused an estimated $68 million worth of damage to agriculture.

outage started at 9 p.m. on September 21. The service was restored only at around 3:30 p.m. yesterday.

However, elevated and far areas still experienced low water pressure to no water, including Marfori, Doña Vicenta, Buhangin, some areas in Bajada, Lanang and Sasa.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte earlier urged DCWD to have its own power generator set so that it can function even during power outage.

He said it is hard for a family to lose power and water supply at the same time.

Duterte said that he already communicated to one of the members of the board and told him that a generator set would cost them P100 million.

According to Duterte, he suggested that DCWD should purchase it through a soft loan.

bayan Party-list Rep. Arlene “Caca” Bag-ao, who was the lawyer of the Sumilao farmers who conducted a march from Bukidnon to Malacañang seven years ago.

“They (Sumilao farmers) inspired us. They reached Malacañang and talked to President Arroyo and six months later got their land back,” he said.

Banzuela said they are still looking for more support in the House of Representatives and in the Senate for the passage of the bill.

Banzuela said it has been two years since the government recovered the P71- billion coco levy fund but until now it has not been distributed or aligned to programs that will help

in the development of the coconut industry.

Through a Supreme Court decision, the government was able to recover P71 billion in October 2012. It is government’s obligation, being holder in trust for the coconut farmers, to determine meaningful programs for the utilization of the fund.

“But after almost two years, not a single word has been heard from President Aquino on this controversial coco levy issue.

Various agencies have been heard to be scampering to dip their hands on the P71 billion for the construction of farm-to-market roads, conditional cash transfer, fast-tracking agrarian reform implementation in

coconut lands,” Banzuela said.

Banzuela said that the Catholic Church has already expressed its support for the campaign.

“I fully support the long march for the coconut levy campaign,” Orlando B. Cardinal Quevado, OMI, Archbishop of Cotabato, said in a statement.

Banzuela said a signature campaign and an education and information dissemination will be conducted during the 71-day march.

He said if will nothing happens after the march, they will not stop doing initiatives that will encourage the government to give what is intended for coconut famers. (CRC)

Dr. Dipatuan said other Muslim countries in Southeast Asia are already immersed in Islamic banking.

“In Malaysia, the people patronizing Islamic banking are not only Muslims but also Chinese and the Malaysian Indian” he said.

Dipatuan said non-Muslim countries in Europe are already shifting from commercial banking to Islamic banking.

According to shariabanking.com, Islamic banking “has been experiencing extraordinary developments in several Islamic countries and Europe. In some countries this Sharia compliant banking system has been enjoying an average growthrate of 40.2 percent per year.”

Dipatuan said the United Kingdom and other European countries are already establishing Sharia banks. “What they are

doing first is they ask conventional banks to open a window for Islamic Banking and Finance, but their target that time will come they will devote to Islamic banking,” he said.

He said even non-Muslim investors can access financing because it has a product that will cater to even joint-venture projects.

“As early as now we are already positioning ourselves toward the establishment of Islamic banking because we know that the only way our small holder farmers and fisherman, for example, can avail (themselves of access to finance) through Islamic banking,” he said.

“If you will slap them with high interest rate in the conventional banking, they won’t be able to earn their livelihood,” Dipatuan said.

He said in order to

establish more Islamic banks, there is a need for a program that will allow banks access to finance. It will allow them to increase their capitalization.

“This is one of the problems why Al Amanah cannot focus on Islamic banking. It cannot stand on its own without tying to the conventional way of banking system,” he said.

But above all, Dipatuan said there is a need for policy intervention from the central government.

Dipatuan said that the plan is still a “work in progress.”“We will be able to finish it by October 30 and it will be the Bangsamoro Development Plan,” he said.

He said the plan will be presented during the launching of the Philippine Development Plan for Bangsamoro on November 6 and 7 in Davao City.

No light... FFROM 2

71 Coconut... FFROM 2

Bangsamoro... FFROM 4

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

Senate passes bill granting mandatory PhilHealth coverage for senior citizens

T

HE Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill providing for the mandatory Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) coverage for all senior citizens in the country regardless of their social or economic status.

With 19-0 vote, the senators passed Senate Bill No. 712 which would auto-

matically enroll all senior citizens to PhilHealth.

Under Republic Act (RA) 7432 as amended by RA 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, senior citizens are entitled to 20 percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable, on the sale of some goods and services;

death benefit assistance; educational assistance; free medical and dental services; and exemption from training fees for socioeconomic programs, among others.

The same law also grants indigent senior citizens additional privileges such as free vaccines, social pension and mandatory PhilHealth coverage.

variety of services to Barangay Ngan, Compostela town. They will also be conducting community consultations with the barangay officials on how to further improve the flow of government services.

According to Carolina, the explosion was premature, thus failed to inflict damage to the vehicle, or any casualties to the soldiers. The blast was reported followed by a short burst of gunfire, which also failed to hit their mark.

“This group is clear-

ly trying to isolate the people from the government’s services using fear and violence,” said Major General Eduardo M. Año, commander of the 10th Infantry Division under which the 25th IB operates.

Año said the lawless elements showed they do not care about the people. “It was plain and simple terrorism,” he said.

Carolina recalled that on April 4 armed elements also attacked a convoy coming from a similar activity in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, al-

most hitting a TV news crew.

Carolina suspects the lawless armed group is the same that was implicated in countless killings in the hinterlands for those who they dub as unsupportive of their cause. IED attacks in public roads in the recent years have also claimed the lives of civilians, which according to Eastern Mindanao Command’s statistics, account for some 1/5 of the casualties of IED explosions since 2010.

(PNA)

the processing of a single export documentation in BOC would take a maximum of two days, although he said it “all depends who the exporter is.”

“This will make us more competitive especially by the ASEAN integration in 2015,” he said.

Marañon said E2M will eventually eliminate the intervention of brokers and even the one-stop-shop that aims to streamline the pro-

cessing of export documents by putting all concerned agencies in a single area.

He said only 30 percent of the 168 Philexport members are already into E2M, but he added that there are a total of more than 500 exporters in the region who ship different agricultural and processed products to Japan, Taiwan, the United States, the Middle East, and other areas.

“We are encouraging not

just our members but also non-members of Philexport to adopt E2M. PhilExport is supporting this move of BOC which is part of the government’s national single window program,” he said.

More inputs on E2M will be discussed on the second general membership meeting of PhilExport-Davao on September 26 at the Microtel

by Wyndham Davao at the Damosa Gateway Complex from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. CRC

event.

Boncato said next year’s event will have a bigger and wider scope because there will be more participants.

City Tourism Operations Office head Lisette Marques said the city government expects the event to be bigger because it will include the entire tourism

sector in the city.

“The first time we did the Big Davao Fun Sale, it was mostly focused on retail shopping. But that just comprises 22 percent of the expenditure of a tourist,” Marques said.

She said other tourism destinations such as restaurants, resorts and

hotels , and white water rafting facilities are included because these are the main reasons tourists come to Davao City in the first place.

She said tour operators and owners of tourist attractions will offer cheaper packages from April 3 to May 15 next year.

The amount covers expenses for transportation, accommodation, food, equipment and other requirements of the Chief Executive and his delegation.

“President Aquino will underscore the experience and successes of our country in implementing reforms and in dealing with the problem of corruption in government to political and business leaders in the US,” Ochoa noted.

“He sees this visit to the US as an opportunity to push our agenda on trade, tourism, peace and security as well as further

strengthen ties between our country and the US.” In New York, President Aquino is scheduled to meet with the chief executive officer (CEO) of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and will have the opportunity to ring the NYSE bell. A breakfast roundtable with CEOs will also be held at the NYSE. Later in the day, the President will sit down with CEOs of the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-ASEAN Business Council for a business roundtable.

One of the highlights of the President’s visit in the US is a speech before

world leaders at the UN Climate Change Summit Plenary 2014 organized by the United Nations.

“President Aquino will emphasize the need for world leaders to stand together to address climate change and its adverse effects on people and economies. The President is well aware of the impacts of climate change especially to vulnerable developing counties like the Philippines,” Ochoa said.

President Aquino is expected to be back in the country on Thursday (September 25). (PNA) LGI/PND/SSC

Bomb... FFROM 2

Exporter... FFROM 3

Torism... FFROM 3

Gov’t allots... FFROM 3

EDGEDAVAO

MOTORING

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK Service PETER PAUL JED C. FALCON, Case No.2014-XI-00714 Applicant x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

NOTICE OF HEARING

Applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK SERVICE for the transportation of freight on the route. WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN THE ISLAND OF MINDANAO ACCESSIBLE TO MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC AND VICE VERSA with the use of TWELVE(12) units.

Title race for PH GT Championship heats up in Clark on September 27 N

OW halfway through the 2014 season, the Yokohama Philippine GT Championship returns to the Clark International Speedway this September 26 and 27 for Round 4.

Presented by Petronas, the title race in GT300, GT200, GT150, and GT100 is certain-

ly heating up as the drivers battle for points. Starting with only 17 drivers on the grid back in June, the championship now has a total of 23 competitors fighting for glory.

Round 3 saw the return of 2013 champion Jody Coseteng, who dominated both the Sprint and GT Race in

GT300. But despite his performance, Taysan Mayor Dondon Portugal still leads the standings with 150 points, followed

by Coseteng with 60, Veli-Matti Kaikkonen with 45, and actor Jomari Yllana with 42.

Meanwhile, the hotly-contested GT200 has become an three-way shootout between

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on OCTOBER 08, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 9th day of September 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ

Chief Transportation Development Officer

11

Paolo Mantolino, Joey Pery, and Carlos Anton. A poor performance from Mantolino in Round 3 allowed Pery and Anton to close the gap and keep their title hopes alive. William Tan, however, slips further back and is now 99 points behind the leader.

With a total of 120 points

still up for grabs in the next two rounds, mathematically all the 11 drivers in GT150 still has a chance at winning the title. Leading the group is Richmon dela Rosa who has a 41 point advantage over 2nd placer Joel Portugal, followed

by Dindo de Jesus and Raymond Ronquillo tied for 3rd.

BMW shows off first-ever X4 and refreshed X3

Ferrari Posts Record First Half 2014 Sales A

T

HE Ferrari S.P.A. Board of Directors met under the chairmanship of Luca di Montezemolo (before stepping down) to examine the financial results for the first half of 2014.

The figures show growth in all indicators despite the planned reduction in car deliveries.

On June 30th, Ferrari recorded revenues of 1,348.6 million euro (+14.5%) and trading profit reached 185 million euro (+5.2%), both H1 figures completely unprecedented in Ferrari history.

Net income increased by almost 10% to 127.6 million

euro too.

The company also set another new record for its net industrial financial position which stood at 1,594 million euro at the end of June even though product investment remains high, while net cash flow for the first half of the year amounted to 236 million euro.

A total of 3,631 homologated cars were delivered, 3.6% fewer than in the same period in 2013.

Significantly, any comparison with H1 2013 must also take into account the fact that the Ferrari California went out of production with deliveries of the new

California T beginning only in summer. Added to this was the strategic decision to cut production taken in May 2013. However, an increase of 5% in deliveries is planned by the end of the year.

In Europe, Great Britain remains our largest market with a total of 408 cars delivered, 7 fewer than in the first half of 2013. Notably, as with the first quarter of 2014, deliveries to Italy rose after years of falling: +13% with 131 dispatched to their owners. However, the domestic market remains marginal accounting for only a little over 3% of total volumes.

SIAN Carmakers Corporation, the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, made waves at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) by showing the complete line-up of its X Series line. The BMW X Series Pavilion provided guests with a chance to experience endless explorations with the complete range of BMW X Series composed of the X1, X3, X4, X5, and X6.

BMW showed off the limited edition X1 sDrive 18d M Sport fitted with the BMW M Aerodynamics Package, M Sport Steering Wheel, and Sport Seats.

Meanwhile, BMW used this opportunity to show off the refreshed X3. Shown at their pavilion in the xDrive

30d M Sport guise, the X3 features a refreshed exterior with new headlights that integrate to the larger trademark kidney grille. Capping off the changes are new front and rear bumpers and exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators. Inside, there’s more chrome application in the X3’s cockpit along with a new dual-zone climate control system. There are newly designed cup holders as well. Under the hood, the X3 features two new diesel engines. Featuring BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology, the rear-wheel drive X3 sDrive 18d has a 150 horsepower, 360 Nm of torque engine mated to an 8-speed automatic.

The all-wheel drive X3 xDrive 20d has 190 horsepower and a whopping 400 Nm of torque.

12 CLASSIFIED

Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

7BACOLOD TRAVEL

things to do in

Jumping at The Ruins.

With October just around the corner, Bacolod City (which is just a quick direct flight from Davao thanks to Cebu Pacific) will soon be celebrating Masskara, one of the Philippines’ most colourful festivals. With masked dancers stomping their feet to the Samba beat, Masskara is one event every Filipino traveller has to experience even once in his or her lifetime.

Aside from the Masskara Festival, there are more things to do in Bacolod and neighbouring Silay and here is my short list of things to do when visiting the City of Smiles.

1

Take a selfie with a Masskara dancer. Street dancing during fiestas is standard fare here in the Philippines but Masskara dancers take it to another level with their colourful costumes and elaborate

masks. The Samba beat which they dance to also adds to the spirit of fun and good times.

2

Take a jump shot at The Ruins.

Once a mansion built by a rich Negrense in loving memory of his wife, The Ruins is now one of Negros’ most visited tourist spots drawing visitors from all over the world. Romantics will love the history of the once opulent manor as relayed by The Ruins’ guide, Roger.

3

Taste the real Chicken Inasal.

If there is one dish that Bacolod is known for it is Chiken Inasal. No, it is no the same grilled chicken as is served in a national fads food chain. Real Bacolod Chicken Inasal is grilled to perfection without too much charing from the grill, the skin is bright and crispy while the meat is tangy and moist.

Pigging out at Calea.

Call: 224-0733 • Tionko St., Davao City

4

Visit Dizon-Ramos Museum’s Christmas Village. One of Bacolod’s most famous ancestral houses, the Dizon-Ramos Museum features a broad collection of photos, figurines and trinkets owned by the family. What makes the museum fascinating is their Christmas figurine and angel collections which are placed on exhibit only from September until February. Also notable is the Bella Rivas Galang Christmas Village

Having fun at Panaad Park.

Chicken inasal.

The Negros Showroom.

collection which occupies almost the entirety of the museum’s lower floor.

5

Check out the Panaad Park and Stadium.

The former site of the Philippine National Games, Panaad Park and Stadium is a showcase of the province of Negros Oriental with many provincial pavilions serving as a quick introduction to the many sights and products of their respective provinces.

6

Pig out at Calea.

Visitors with a sweet tooth will want to drop

by Calea for a swipe at their many cakes that are affordable yet totally scrumptious. the queues may be long at times but the cakes are definitely worth the wait.

7

Shop at the Negros Showroom.

A one-stop shop for gifts, the Negros Showroom is a must visit when in Bacolod with many products

Dizon-Ramos Museum’s Christmas Village. made in Negros Oriental in its shelves. Foodies can shop for muscovado, roselle jam, or organic coffee, while fashionistas may want to check out the many beautiful accessories, fabrics, crafts, and bags on sale. There is also artwork, furniture and home accessories for the ones who have bigger bagging allowances.

Follow me at @kennethkingong on Instagram or on Twitter for more travel stories, foodie finds and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

GENSAN

Cozy at The Peak AUG 23 2014 marked the opening of Gensan’s newest event place, The Peak.

Located on the third and fourth floors of the GPSS Building, along Jose Catolico Ave., Lagao. The Peak is 800 square meters of open space with a waterfall that leads to a medium sized pool and jacuzzi which could be enjoyed by all ages. I love the garden feel amongst a landscape of bricks, steel and wood in the place that gives it a warm, cozy and rustic ambiance that’s perfect for any indoor or outdoor events.

The Peak can accommodate up to 300 guests with event packages that can include a production team of fashion and graphic designers, event stylists, photographers, catering and entertainment, that are sure to make any event extra special and hassle free.

For more info visit their Facebook page: facebook. com/thepeakgsc. For bookings and inquiries contact (083) 552 2698.

Many thanks to Edwin Espejo for the fabulous photos!

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

EVENT

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao leads coastal cleanup campaign THE Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao once again embarked on a coastal clean up of our waterway area as part of its commitment to the hotel’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

Led by the hotel’s General Manager, Mr. Rouel P. Guanzon, with acting OIC for Barangay Hizon, Kagawad Eric Talili; Martin Obrero of City Environment and natural Resources Office (CENRO);

ELEGANCE NEED NOT BE EXPENSIVE! Grab this FINE JEWELRY set and a whole lot of other classy accessories at our Jewelry SALE happening until September 30!

Lt. Jr. Grade marie Antonette Teves and the cadets of the Naval Reserve

Center, Eastern Mindanao, the morning of September 18 was spent clearing the area of debris and garbage. As a highlight of the event, the hotel turned over several steel rakes and plastic, gallon-sized containers to Barangay Hizon in support of their clean and green campaign. Every individual present were all in joyous moods as they went about the upkeep of our environment and doing their share to save the planet.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Meagan Good, Rihanna also targeted in 2nd celebrity nude photo leak

MEAGAN GOOD has confirmed she had private photos stolen and posted online.

“I’m definitely in shock,” the actress said in an Instagram post on Sunday (warning, contains explicit language). “Saddened for everyone who is experiencing this ... but I ‘choose’ not to give the persons responsible my power ... At the end of the day, we all know these pictures were for my husband.”

“Of yeah, and for everyone who’s reposting the leaked nudes? You should be ashamed of yourself ... you have yourself a blessed day now,” she added.

A recent major celebrity nude photo leak, the second of its kind in less than a month, also included racy pics of women resembling Rihanna, Good’s Think Like a Man co-star Gabrielle Union, Kate Bosworth, Hayden Panettiere and Meagan Good and

the images have been circulating online throughout the weekend.

Reps for Rihanna, Union and Bosworth had no immediate comment.

The fresh batch of naked pics were first posted on Saturday and included photos of women resembling several stars, including Kim Kardashian and

Vanessa Hudgens. It is unclear if any of the images are authentic.

The leak comes three weeks after nude and other racy pictures of celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton, which were confirmed to be authentic, were stolen from their personal accounts and posted on various websites. Lawrence’s rep had said at the time that the authorities had been contacted. The FBI later said it was “addressing” the issue.

No hacking suspects have been identified in connection with either leak.

Apple had said that the first leak targeted specific celebrities and was not part of a widespread security issue affecting its iCloud file storage and sharing service. CEO Tim Cook said the affected stars may have been the target of phishing scams or had chosen security questions for their personal accounts that hackers had been able to

guess.

Earlier this week, American Idol alum and politician Clay Aiken weighed in on the first nude photo leak. He had some harsh words for the celebrities who had nude photos stolen and posted.

In 2012, following an FBI investigation, a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for hacking the email accounts of more than 50 celebrities,

including Scarlett Johansson and Mila Kunis, and posting racy photos online.

“Just because you’re in the spotlight or just because you’re an actor or make films doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to your own personal privacy,” Johansson had said. “No matter what the context, when that is sieged in some way it feels unjust, it feels wrong.”

Marian opens second season with a bang TV viewers witnessed the new look of the country’s primetime dance party MARIAN as it opened its second season last Saturday (September 20). Hosted by the primetime queen Marian Rivera, viewers were entranced by Marian’s versatility in a fast-paced season opener where she did three quick costume changes in front of the camera.

Co-hosts Julie Anne San Jose and Christian Bautista performed together with the UAAP Cheerdance Competition 8-time Champion, UP PEP Squad, as strut their much talked about routine on the newer and bigger stage that will accommodate the 30-strong squad.

On Celebrity Showdance, Starstruck Ultimate Survivors went up against the Avengers. Kapuso stars Mark Herras and Kris Bernal teamed up against equally strong dancers Sef Cadayona and Diva Montelaba. Celebrity Showdance is a season-long dance battle of the stars judged by the stunning Ms. Lucy Torres-Gomez.

Moreover, the beautiful dance diva will gave the viewers updates on her royal wedding preparations.

Catch the more of Season 2 of MARIAN every Saturday on GMA.

THE GIFTED Anne Curtis, Cristine Reyes and Sam Milby R 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

MARIA LEONORA TERESA Iza Calzado, Zanjoe Marudo, Jodi Sta. Maria R 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONE Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens R 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 THE MAZE RUNNER Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario PG 13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

COMMUNITY SENSE

Business with a heart

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

T

HE Royal Mandaya Hotel and Davao Allied Security and Investigation Services Inc. (DASIA) celebrated their anniversaries with a meaningful activity that preserved the legacy of the late Escandor patriarch—Ret. Col. Emilio Escandor.

Inspired by the late Col. Escandor’s generous heart, the TRMH and DASIA families staged the EECOP-4 2014 (Emilio Escandor Community Outreach Program). It is the program’s fourth year and the second since the death of Col. Escandor.

Escandor Group of Companies president Glenn Y. Escandor, vice president Gerome and matriarch Violeta, along with GM Benjie Banzon led the outreach program.

“The activity is in keeping with the legacy of the late Col. Escandor and also of our motto: Business With A Heart,” Banzon said.

This year’s outreach program brought the employees of TRMH and DASIA to Barangay Datu Salumay in Marilog District, Davao City where they conducted medical-dental mission, distributed medicines, 300 pairs of slippers, boxes of used clothing and toys, and food for 400 people.

A total of 338 beneficiaries were recorded.

30 for dental and 308

for medical.

The medical team is composed of doctors Francis Gerwin Jalipa (incidentally, the no. 2 topnotcher in the recent August Medical Board Exams), Ester Mace Vilela, Jan Mark Antenor, Allan Jay Lapore, Lorenzo Angelo Derla, Hannah Faye Magdoboy, Pat Vincent Ang, Delfin C. Valdez Jr., Henry D. Derla, Herbert E. Barbnabas, Welfredo E. Jagape Jr., and Lt. Richard C. Baclig.

The dental team from the City Health Office is composed of dentists Ma. Aida Gordo, Minajoy Panuda, Merle Perez, Marilyn Puno, and Trinitario Sta. Ana. They were assisted by a team of eight nurses from the Occupational Health Nurses Association of the PhilippinesDavao City Chapter led

by Maxileo Romal V. Abecia, Chona C. Barrun, Liezl I. Enardecido, Aries Bon C. Golez, Faye Mabelle Guides, Kristel Grace Matillano, Leonardo Matunding, Rechelle I. Millanes.

Other volunteers are from the Philippine Coast Guard Southeastern Mindanao led by COMMO George V. Ursubia Jr.Evelyn Johnso, LTJG Ramus A. Alvarez, and SW2 Zemira Joy M. De Silva; and from CRIADOS, namely: John Paul A. Valencia, Roderick T. Aturdido, Julie Roferos and Mikael Matunog.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

ZION

EDGEDAVAO

ACCUPRINT PUBLISHING, INC.

Is in need of:

MACHINE OPERATOR

CLASSIFIED 13

EDGE

Serving a seamless society

DAVAO

WANTS YOU!

(Printing Press)

Qualifications:

- At least high school graduate, not more than 30 years old - Physically and mentally fit - Can handle minor repairs of the machine - Has the ability to be cool under pressure of deadlines and complex projects - Experience of at least one year

Send application letter & resume to: HR Supervisor ZION Accuprint Publishing, Inc. Door 14 Alcrej Building, Quirino Ave., 8000 Davao City, Philippines E-mail: marketing@edgedavao.net zion_publishing@yahoo.com Telefax: (082) 2213601 Website: www.edgedavao.net

Account Executives (3) - Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field.

- Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate - A team player - With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao

Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

14

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

Fans welcome Gilas in Asiad GILAS FRENZY

G

ILAS Pilipinas was given a rousing welcome on Saturday night by Filipinos not just in this city but in neighboring areas as well.

The team arrived at 9 p.m. (10 p.m. Manila) safely after concerns about their trip due to the effects of typhoon Mario. About 200 Filipino welcomed the Philippine men’s national basketball team at the Incheon Airport, according to Philippine Olympic Committee first vice-president Joey Romasanta.

Even more impressive, Romasanta said, that some of the fans came all the way from Seoul, about a one-hour train ride to Incheon, just to welcome Gilas Pilipinas to Korea.

Earlier, Gilas Pilipinas team manager Aboy Castro hurriedly left for Manila on Friday to bring the 12 passports of the players back after presenting them to the technical meeting.

Gilas Pilipinas assistant coaches Tab Baldwin, Josh Reyes, and Jong Uichico arrived earlier to watch hostilities in Group B. The top-seeded team among Palestine, India, Kazakhstan, and Saudi Arabia will advance to Group E with Gilas Pilipinas and Iran.

Blatche signs up with Chinese team B

UOYED by his strong showing in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, center Andray Blatche, as expected, caught the attention of a foreign team.

But it’s not among the 30 National Basketball Association squads, though.

The 6-foot-11 Gilas Pilipinas naturalized center decid-

Kazakhstan's Andrey Mogilevskiy competes during the bronze medal match of the men's trap shooting at

ed to take his talents to China, signing a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball League.

Several online reports confirmed the development on early Sunday morning (Manila time), including Yahoo Sports writer Adrian Wojnarowski.

Blatche, who turned 28 last month, will team up with fellow NBA veteran, guard Jordan Crawford, as they try to help the Flying Tigers realize their first CBA title after falling prey to the Beijing Ducks 2-4 in the finals last season.

Blatche is coming off a productive performance

with the Nationals in the world championships, averaging tourney-highs of 21.2 points and 13.8 rebounds while helping the Philippines gain the first World Cup win in 40 years with a thrilling 81-79 overtime win over Senegal, thanks to an 18-point, 14-rebound performance.

Although he failed to secure a more preferred contract in the NBA following his stint with the Brooklyn Nets last season when he averaged 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 73 games, Blatche is expected to draw interest from playoff-bound teams, with the CBA season tipped to end by March.

Ateneo bags twin football titles A

TENEO de Davao University captured the Under 12 and Under 14 girls titles in the Davao Football Association (DFA) Grassroots Development Football tournament held over the weekend at the Tionko Field.

Ateneo crushed Blacknights, 2-0 in finals of the Under 12 division. Amir Aramikurut scored the first goal before Rafael Balan completed the victory. Aramikurut also won the Most Valuble Player award.

South Point settled for

third place via a 1-0 win over Catalunan Grande.

Ateneo also pocketed the under 12 crown at the expense of Blacknights.

South Point and Catalunan Grande placed third and fourth, respectively.

Meanwhile, University of Mindanao demolished Ateneo, 8-1 in the DFA Inter-Collegiate Football tournament held at the same venue.

Rizal Memorial Colleges and Philippine College of Technology settled to a 2-all draw in the second game.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

Hagino keys Japan gold rush Swimmer ready K

OSUKE Hagino stunned the swimming world -- mostly, himself.

Hagino got Japan off to a phenomenal start in the pool at the Asian Games by beating Olympic champions Sun Yang of China and Park Tae Hwan of South Korea in the men’s 200-meter freestyle on Sunday.

In what was hyped to be a two-horse race between Yang and Park -- joint silver medalists in the event at the 2012 London Olympics -- 20-year-old Hagino came on late to win by a touch in a Japanese record of 1 minute, 45.23 seconds over Yang.

Crowd favorite Park faded to

third in 1:45.85.

Hagino, who edged his boyhood idol Michael Phelps for bronze in the 400 individual medley at London, said even he wasn’t expecting the victory.

“I didn’t think I could beat Yang and Park myself,” said Hagino, the first man to win five titles at the Japanese nationals. “I was just trying to break my own record. I consider them to be much better swimmers than I am, and I never thought I’d finish first.”

“I didn’t know I’d won. I knew it was going to come down to the last touch, but I’m happy I could rewrite my record by so much. I’m real-

GOLD FOR MALAYSIA. Fatehah Mustapa became the first Malaysian female cyclist to win an Asian Games medal after claiming silver in the keirin.

Pix by Yazit Razali

ly pleased with my time, it’s really fast. I never thought I could defeat the two; I was just happy to be swimming in the lane between them.”

“The noise was incredible. I expected the atmosphere to be what it was; it was like the Olympics.”

Asked about the comparisons to Phelps he’s drawing back home, Hagino said, “It’s no secret Michael Phelps is my hero. But I have a long way to go to get to where he’s at.”

Also striking gold for Japan was Ryosuke Irie in the 100 backstroke (52.34), in which Hagino finished third. World champion in the 400 IM, Daiya Seto won

the 200 butterfly in 1:54.08 over compatriot Kenta Hirai (1:55.47) as Japan swept the three men’s races on the day.

Two-time Olympic silver medalist Irie defended his title in a new Asian Games record.

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” Irie said. “To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t sure of myself as of yesterday. But I felt good in the heats, and I expected the Chinese swimmer to drive up the pace.”

“I’m glad I was able to break my time from four years ago because that was my goal. If you can’t win in Asia, you can’t expect to win on the world stage.”

to bounce back J

ASMINE Alkhaldi is focused on bigger things — the Asian Games competition and qualification for the world championships — and has already moved on from the horror of the Southeast Asian Games last year.

Alkhaldi had claimed the gold medal in the 100m freestyle in the Myanmar SEA Games but a re-swim was ordered by organizers after to a protest by Thailand. In the re-swim, Alkhaldi lost. But the 21-year-old said she has put the incident behind her long ago.

“Yes!,” said Alkhaldi resoundingly when asked if she has already moved on from the incident. “I forgot about it already.”

Alkhaldi, entered in the 50m and 100m freestyle in Incheon, said she is aiming to

hit qualifying times for next year’s Fina World Championship in Kazan, Russia after her rigid training in Hawaii.

Alkhaldi’s coach Jennifer Buffon said a break in training last summer is what making her confident about the chances of his ward in making it to the world championship.

“I think she is consistently training really hard but she was able to take a break this summer which she definitely needed. She has been training four years straight for all her competition.

She was able to take a break this summer and come back, she is in a good place mentally,” said Buffon.

“Definitely our goal is to make those qualifying times for Russia and this Asian Games is the first step in our training for 2015,” said Buffon.

ARNIE Macaneras and Dymie Rose Jaro ruled the premier 10-Kilometer category in the Energen Davao Run held Sunday in an out and back course at the Rizal Park.

Macaneras, 22, clocked 36 minutes and 40 seconds in topping the men’s division. Adventurer racer Dexter Nonato, skipper of the Mayor Rody Duterte Cycling Team finished second at 37:04. He was followed by Jonfer Bagayo at 38:02.

Jaro, on the other hand, ruled the distaff side with a time of 50:13.

Gigi Gorpe (52:07) and Karen Macapagal (56:29) placed second and third, respectively.

In the 5K race, AXL Licong (17:06) and Arcieny Onso (22:58) emerged as champions.

Licong won the men’s division and was followed by Joverto Eman (17:07) and Aldie Galila (17:21) in that order. Onso topped the women’s side.

Sixteen-year old Kristian Lloyd Cabrera (12:52) bagged the 3K men’s title. Second was John Vic Tawa (13:05) followed by 15-year old Arvin Bato-on (13:18).

Thirty-four year old Roselyn Robillo ruled the women’s 3K at 12:49. She was followed by 13-year old Merlie Docog (17:55). Third was 30-year old Mary Joy Satinitigan (18:03).

Medals were awarded to the winners by race director Rudy Biscocho.

Ten lucky runners from among the 2,6000 participants each received a brand new mountain bikes raffled off during the awarding.

Macaneras, Jaro rule Energen Run

J

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE136 136• TUESDAY, • TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER23, 23,2014 2014

FAILED LIFT. Nestor Colonia of the Philippines grimaces after releasing the weights at the men's weightlifting event of the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

SLOW, SILENT START After three days, PH still medal-less in Asian Games

By ALDRIN CARDONA, PNA

T

EAM Philippines crawled on a slow, cold Sunday with no victory to show while waiting for the days when the events where it has chances of winning the precious medals are played in the 17th Asian Games.

The medals are possibly coming only today when three wushu artists play in the quarterfinals where each victory would assure them of at least a bronze.

Divine Wally will face Hyebin Kim of Korea in the women’s Sanda -52kg; Francisco Solis will take on Wong Ting-hong of Hong Kong in the men’s Sanda -56kg; and Jean Claude Saclag tackles Hendrik Tarigan of Indonesia for their chance at gaining semifinal seats where bronze medals are already assured.

The region’s top guns are atop the medals tally with China leading with nine golds, three silvers and seve n

bronzes, while host Korea has 7-7-6.

Kazakhstan and Mongolia have two golds each while Japan, Vietnam, Chinese-Taipei, India,

of the men’s 73-kg.

But Ki-

al round.

Ve t e r a n Alvin Amposta and Roque Abala ranked fifth in the men’s double sculls of rowing and will figure in the repechage to make it back to the medal picture.

The LOSING STAND. Katharine Lehnert also lost in women’s tennis.

Hong K o n g and North Korea each possessed a gold each at dusk.

A day after its medal chance in weightlifting got wasted with Nestor Colonia’s choke of a performance, the judokas followed his path when Gilbert Ramirez surrendered a 110-0 defeat to Dastan Ykybayev of Kazakhstan in the round-of-16

yomi Wa t a n a b e showed her fighting heart when she flattened Gulnar Hayytbayeva of Turkmenistan in the round-of-16 of the women’s 73-kg, only to lose a close one to Kana Abe of Japan, 2-0, in the quarterfinals.

Watanabe returned for the repechage but Marian Urdabayeva pinned her with an Ippon to deny her chance of getting back into the med-

trap shooters also reported another heartache of a story.

Hangen Alexander Topacio was good only for 28 th and Eric Ang was 37th in a field of 46 competitors.

Jessie King Lacuna topped his heat in the men’s 200-m freestyle of swimming but his time was a constell a -

tion away from the second heat of two groups of eight.

Reyland Capellan ranked 50th overall in the men’s individual and team final qualification of artistic gymnastics, placing 10th in the floor exercise and 11th in the vault.

The men’s and women’s tennis teams were also plastered in the net.

The men’s team surrendered a 2-1 decision to Chinese-Taipei while the women’s team bowed to a superior host Korea, 3-0.

Yeu Tzuoo-wang regained his composure after a first set loss, trashing Treat Huey, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Lu Yen-hsun shocked PJ Tierro, 6-0, 6-0.

Huey later partnered with Ruben Gonzalez to give the Philippines some measure of pride by tripping Chen Ti and Peng Hsien-yin, 4-6, 7(10)-6(8), 7(7)-6(4).

The women’s side was worse, with Han Na Lae clobbering Denise Dy, 6-0, 6-3; and Jan Sujeong zapping Katharina Melissa Lehnert, 6-3, 7-5, in the singles.

Han Nalae and Yoo Mi rapped Dy and Lehnert, 6-3, 6-2, in Rubber 3.

Only the result of the wushu match between the Philippines’ Clemente Tabugara and Mohsen Tabugara of Iran) in the men’s Sanda -65-kg has yet to be played in the Philippine schedule as of press time.

The Philippines is banking on bowling, boxing, taekwondo, athletics, basketball and BMX cycling as among the events which could produce medals for its campaign.